A huge issue is region/nation. Unless you have luck with your trades business here in Germany and the market is not over-saturated and the guild actually lets you start the business, you're looking not at 100k€ but 30-50k€ per year, and that's with some significant seniority already so you're waaaay behind in earnings. The opportunities are there, but going into the trades, esp. when you look at the next 40 years, is not much better than giving university a shot (ok, it's no tuition here).

Plus, with a college degree, getting visas for abroad is easier and in these troubled times mobility of this sort is also something I wouldn't like to miss.

This is pretty comparable to the low wages the majority of people will receive just out of college, except the trade job is much more likely to build career skills and relationships without the huge debt burden.

It wasn't until I had about 5 years of solid experience before I started being able to significantly increase my income regularly in my field.

Perhaps you're right. I probably have a warped view of wages working in tech, but I just can't imagine working for over a decade just to max out around $50-$60k without starting my own business

That's the reality for almost everyone unless they're willing to relocate. Most tech jobs aren't in low CoL areas and remote work is ultra competitive.

There is a ceiling to what local opportunities can provide. More specialized or more senior roles are usually available elsewhere.

There are at least some regions in the nation right now where the trades are absolutely in demand. There are also some college majors right now that add nothing to your income. Which trade/region, and which major/university, are necessary for any worthwhile discussion of which is a better option.

Agreed. Anecdotally (my wife works for a small business that employs [mostly low voltage] electricians), a typical electrician makes roughly $35/hour. The business bills them out at $125/hour. It isn't the electrician making the big bucks.